Japanese Ex-Princess Mako Komuro's Dad Defends Daughter’s Marriage To Commoner

Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino has spoken publicly for the first time following his daughter’s decision to leave the royal family to marry a commoner. 

Mako Komuro, 30, tied the knot to her long-term boyfriend Kei Komuro in October, but in doing so had to resign from the monarchy. 

Now, her father has defended her decision to marry Kei, explaining that it’s impossible to please the entire public population. 

Speaking at a press conference, the 56-year-old said: “Even if she did prioritise her marriage, which I think is a separate issue as it’s a private matter to begin with, she’s already made her intentions publicly known for four years. 

Alamy

“If the public were given priority, then she wouldn’t be able to marry for 10 or 20 years.”

The newlyweds have now moved to New York, but her dad said technology helps them to keep in touch. 

He told the press conference: “She used to be by my side, but in this age, we can feel close wherever we are in the world."

Prince Akishino revealed that he wished his daughter well on her wedding day and speaking about their move to New York, he added: “Since they have decided to live in the US, I think it's the best thing for them.”

Prince Akishino then criticised the media, claiming they made up stories about Mako and Kei. 

He said: "If you read the tabloids, well - I'm not sure how to say this exactly - but there's a lot of things in there that are fabricated, although there are also some opinions we should listen to.”

Prince Akishino went on to slam the ‘terrible’ things people say online. 

Alamy

“As for articles on the internet, there are also lots of comments… and some of them say really terrible things," he added.

"There are people who are deeply hurt by this slander."

The prince said the hurtful comments people make online can have a serious negative impact on people’s mental health. It has previously been reported Mako was left with PTSD following the intense scrutiny of her life and relationship. 

He continued: “Why one chooses to write harmful things on the internet depends on the person, but many people are deeply hurt as a result of such slander - some who have even completed suicide because of it. 

“For me, slanderous words, words that deeply hurt people - whether they are in magazines or on the internet - are unacceptable.”

Topics: World News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]